Hi all,
I volunteer and foster with a rescue that recently took in 3 semi-feral kittens. We don't normally work with ferals but this was a favor to a business that donates generously so we couldn't really say no.... Kittens are about 13 weeks old, so unfortunately a bit old for easy taming. I've got them in foster care and need some advice.
I have them in separate cages with food, litter and a small hide. Have feliway and composure is on order. They have been here for 3 days now, so settled in with just me around and talking but not doing anything with them other than changing litter and feeding. Two should be able to be tamed as they aren't aggressibe just very scared. I handled them with a towel today and they were very scared but didn't try to bite and one took food after. They allow me to touch them without biting, so I'm hopeful that with patience they will come around.
I'm concerned about the 3rd kitten - from the person who trapped them and then the vet I heard that this was the aggressive one and the one to look out for. It is in a small cage with a little hide and will attack and try to bite. I've tried to offer a bit of tuna on a spoon so that they associate me with food but this one will strike at the spoon and it very aggressive even if I don't put it too close to it. No response to a wand toy. I know I need to take it very slow and be patient, I'm just wondering if there is anything else I can do? I've read up on working with feral kittens and think I have the basics but any advice would be great. I know that at 13 weeks there is a decent chance that it won't tame, I just want to try everything I can.
Many thanks!
I volunteer and foster with a rescue that recently took in 3 semi-feral kittens. We don't normally work with ferals but this was a favor to a business that donates generously so we couldn't really say no.... Kittens are about 13 weeks old, so unfortunately a bit old for easy taming. I've got them in foster care and need some advice.
I have them in separate cages with food, litter and a small hide. Have feliway and composure is on order. They have been here for 3 days now, so settled in with just me around and talking but not doing anything with them other than changing litter and feeding. Two should be able to be tamed as they aren't aggressibe just very scared. I handled them with a towel today and they were very scared but didn't try to bite and one took food after. They allow me to touch them without biting, so I'm hopeful that with patience they will come around.
I'm concerned about the 3rd kitten - from the person who trapped them and then the vet I heard that this was the aggressive one and the one to look out for. It is in a small cage with a little hide and will attack and try to bite. I've tried to offer a bit of tuna on a spoon so that they associate me with food but this one will strike at the spoon and it very aggressive even if I don't put it too close to it. No response to a wand toy. I know I need to take it very slow and be patient, I'm just wondering if there is anything else I can do? I've read up on working with feral kittens and think I have the basics but any advice would be great. I know that at 13 weeks there is a decent chance that it won't tame, I just want to try everything I can.
Many thanks!